Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales is under fire for kissing Spain forward Jennifer Hermoso on the lips in the aftermath of the country’s World Cup triumph.
The kiss took place in plain view, with Hermoso greeting Rubiales and other dignitaries (including Spain’s Queen Letizia) on stage after receiving her winner’s medal. The pair shared an embrace before Rubiales firmly kissed the forward on the lips.
The moment has sparked a host of criticism in the aftermath of Spain’s World Cup title, which came with a 1-0 win over England in Sunday’s final in Sydney.
In a video from the Spain locker room posted on Instagram, Hermoso says of the kiss: “I didn’t like it.” Another video shows Rubiales saying the RFEF will pay for a trip to Ibiza, where he is planning to marry Hermoso.
For his part, Rubiales was defiant when asked about the incident on the “El Partidazo de COPE” radio show in Spain.
“It’s a peck between two friends celebrating something,” Rubiales said. “Let’s ignore the fools and the idiots. Let’s ignore them and enjoy the good things. If there are fools, let them continue with their nonsense. Let’s pay attention to those who are not fools.”
Among the voices speaking out against Rubiales were Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker and San Diego Wave head coach Casey Stoney. It’s likely we haven’t heard the end of this.